UK Faces Flooding and Road Closures Following Record Spring Warmth and Severe Storms

Unseasonal temperatures and intense thunderstorms disrupt infrastructure, with warnings of continued mild weather and flood risks.

The UK recorded its warmest spring equinox in over 50 years on March 20, with temperatures reaching 21°C, far above seasonal averages.
Severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, and around 400 lightning strikes on March 22 caused localized flooding in southern England and the East Midlands.
Flood alerts remain active in over 20 areas, including Henley, Salisbury, and Hertfordshire, with some regions still experiencing residual flooding.
Major highways such as the M18 in Yorkshire and the M40 near Warwick were closed due to flooding, highlighting infrastructure vulnerabilities.
The Met Office predicts continued mild weather with above-average temperatures and occasional showers, emphasizing the growing impact of climate change on extreme weather patterns.